Open Heavens Feb 25th, 2008

BIBLE IN A YEAR: 1 Kg 5-7


PITFALLS OF THE PROSPERED

MEMORIZE: "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper" (2 Chronicles 26:5)

READ: 2 Chronicles 26:14-16

“Ephraim is joined to idols; Let him alone" (Hosea 4:17). God chastens all His children. But if you go to the extent of abusing His love, He will leave you alone. Ephraim and Manasseh were sons of Joseph. Ephraim was the younger son. When Joseph brought the two of them to his father, Ephraim was selected for the double portion blessing meant for the first born. As a result of this blessing, he prospered at least 10 times more than his elder brother. Unfortunately, his prosperity made him to forget God. After series of warnings, God left him alone. Later, God turned his blessing into a curse. Hosea 5:9 says, "Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke: among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be".

Another Bible character that abused God's love was king Uzziah. He was only 16 when he ascended the throne of Judah. He was young and lacked understanding of how to run the kingdom. He had several challenges and enemies which made him to seek God. As he did, the Lord supplied what he lacked, raised several helpers for him and prospered everything he did. Before long, his name began to spread as a great inventor, warrior and king. After his kingdom was established, and men were now singing his praise, he thought he did not need God anymore. Pride came in. God's commandment was no more as important as it used to be. He could violate the order of priests and perform their assignment. He ended up a leper living in a secluded apartment, lost the kingdom to his son, and lived in shame until his last breath.

Everyone God has prospered faces similar pitfalls. The more some leaders get promoted to higher levels, the less they seek God over their affairs and decisions. The more pastors get the approval of men, the less they seek God's approval. How dependent are you on the Holy Spirit? Is human wisdom or reasoning taking over your parameters for decision making? Is that promotion or prosperity not making you to seek God less? After all, God has given me breakthrough in business. Why should I continue to attend the monthly Holy Ghost service? Has pride come into you? Is your prosperity, possession and position making you rub shoulders with God? Have you gone the way of Ephraim and Uzziah! Immediately repent and return to God before your blessing turns into a curse.

ACTIONPOINT: It is an irony that as people climb up the ladder of success, progress or prosperity, they also dig the pit that will bury them.